1Timothy 2 KJV
1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
1 Timothy 2 (New Testament)
7 Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.
8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
9 In like manner also, that womenadorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.
12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
1 Ti.2 (New Testament)
13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve.
14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.
15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
| Greek Word + Transliteration | Verse + Snippet | Meaning | Scholarly Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| δεήσις — deēsis | Verse 1 — “…supplications, prayers…” | “Petition,” urgent request. | Deēsis (“supplication”) conveys earnest pleading (“petition”). Paul emphasizes intercessory breadth. The term shapes communal prayer. — Thayer, Greek-English Lexicon (1889) |
| ἡσυχία — hēsychia | Verse 2 — “…quiet and peaceable life…” | “Quietness,” tranquility. | Hēsychia (“quietness”) implies settled calm (“peacefulness”). Godly living fosters societal stability. The term supports Christian witness. — Richard Trench, Synonyms (1896) |
| σωφροσύνη — sōphrosynē | Verse 9 — “…with sobriety.” | “Self-control,” moderation. | Sōphrosynē (“self-control”) signifies modest restraint (“sobriety”). Proper adornment reflects inward holiness. The term fosters reverence. — Philip Schaff, Commentary on Timothy (1882) |
| αἰδώς — aidōs | Verse 9 — “…with shamefacedness…” | “Modesty,” reverence. | Aidōs (“modesty”) denotes holy respect (“shamefacedness”). It governs outward demeanor. The term stresses inward dignity. — Franz Delitzsch, Biblical Commentary (1884) |
| αὐθεντέω — authenteō | Verse 12 — “…nor usurp authority over the man…” | “Exercise authority,” domineer. | Authenteō (“to exercise authority”) indicates governing role (“exercise authority/dominate”). Paul regulates ecclesial order. The term addresses structure, not worth. — Joseph Henry Thayer, Lexicon (1889) |
| πλάσμα — plasma | Verse 13 — “…Adam was first formed…” | “Formation,” something molded. | Plasma (“thing formed”) emphasizes created order (“formed”). Paul grounds roles in creation narrative. The term affirms divine intent. — Richard Trench, Synonyms (1896) |
| σωθήσεται — sōthēsetai | Verse 15 — “…she shall be saved…” | “Save,” preserve. | Sōzō (“to save”) includes protection (“preserve/save”). Paul describes perseverance in faithful vocation. The term conveys covenant blessing. — Philip Schaff, Church History (1890) |
| προσεύχομαι — proseuchomai | Verse 8 — “…men pray everywhere…” | “Pray,” worshipfully petition. | Proseuchomai (“to pray”) denotes reverent approach to God (“pray”). Paul calls men to holy focus. The term ties purity to prayer. — Franz Delitzsch, Commentary (1884) |
| ἁπλότητι — haplotēti | Verse 2 — “…godliness and honesty…” | “Simplicity,” integrity. | Haplotēs (“simplicity”) implies moral integrity (“honesty”). Paul seeks pure conduct before society. The term reflects transparent virtue. — James Hastings, Dictionary of the Bible (1898) |
| εὐσέβεια — eusebeia | Verse 2 — “…in all godliness…” | “Godliness,” piety. | Eusebeia (“godliness”) stresses reverent devotion (“piety”). Christian character impacts public life. The term becomes a pastoral theme. — Joseph Thayer, Lexicon (1889) |
Chapter 2
Verse: "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people" - 1 Timothy 2:1
Lesson: Paul instructs Timothy to pray for all people, including those in authority. He emphasizes the importance of praying for all because God desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Conclusion: Prayer is a powerful tool that we should use to intercede for all people. As we pray for others, we align our hearts with God's heart, who desires all people to be saved.
What's Next? Read Our Bible Verses About Life With Purpose and Encouragement
Prayer Points: Lord, help us to pray for all people, including those in authority. Give us a heart that desires to see all people come to the knowledge of the truth.